The Civic Center district of San Francisco is truly a cultural, culinary and governmental epicenter of the City by the Bay. Perhaps, nowhere else is this more evident than near the Orpheum Theater, a beautiful building that’s been hosting musicals and Broadway shows for guests since 1926.

Market Street Grill

This rustic, North African-styled restaurant in the Hotel Whitcomb dishes up American classics with elegant, modern Asian twists. The live piano bar sets the scene with lilting liveliness, so it’s easy to settle into and relax in this eatery. Guests rave about the farm-to-table fare here; Market Street Grill is committed to using the most local products whenever possible in her Euro-Asian cuisine. Guests should try the seared ahi tuna or the seafood salad to enjoy something light before an evening at the theater.

Cadillac Bar and Grill

Although its name might conjure up images of American luxury vehicles, Cadillac Bar and Grill brings south-of-the-border flair to the Civic Center district. This upbeat Mexican restaurant is a fun place to head for stiff drinks, indulgent appetizers and plenty of great conversation. Cadillac Bar and Grill specializes in “puffy tacos,” which aren’t made with typical flattened masa tortillas. Instead, the cornmeal mixture is deep-fried, creating a delicately addictive, crunchy delivery system for diners’ choice of meat, rice and beans. For groups heading in from the Orpheum Theater, the shared platters with 12 or more tacos are a great option to let everyone get a sampling of the lobster, chicken, steak and vegetable fillings.

Teo Restaurant and Bar

Visitors who like to get a little interactive with their food love dining at Teo. This hot-pot hotspot serves up southern Chinese dishes and its famous soup, which guests cook in pots on individual burners at their tables. Teo cooks down its fresh beef broth for over 10 hours before diners use it to cook the famous grass-fed beef meatballs, short ribs, salted egg yolk and vegetable additions into a delicious, savory elixir. This cozy, packed spot is a nice place to grab a quick bite, and cooked meatballs are available to go, as well.

Zuni Cafe

Zuni Cafe has been delighting diners with its famous flame-roasted chicken and seasonal ingredients since 1979. This SoMa mainstay changes its menu daily, so there’s always something surprising available. Known for its seafood and all-day desserts, too, Zuni Cafe focuses on using sustainably harvested ingredients in nearly all its dishes. Another benefit is that this San Francisco restaurant is open for dinner until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s an ideal spot to tuck into for a post-show meal.

Make an afternoon or evening out of a play or musical event by visiting one of the many restaurants near the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco. Grab something quick before the curtains rise, or settle in for some post-show drinks at one of these local-favorite stops.